JW upbringing - the gift that keeps on taking

by Simon 38 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  Separation of Powers

  Very true Simon.

  I would add that, for many, they take away their adulthood, as well, particularly their social skills. They demonize everyone and everything to such a degree that many when they become adults simply don't know how to react to others.

  There is ALWAYS an ulterior motive or some ANGLE with "worldly people."

  Funny, most of the times I've been ripped off or had to deal with psychological warfare it has been with a JW. Most of my "worldly" friends would bend over backwards to help me out or rejoice with me when there are things I want to celebrate.

  Yep, the damage is deep and doesn't erase easily.

  Just a thought,

  SOP
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  truthseekeriam

  Yes, I feel all of those things!!

  I just wish it was all a bad dream and I could wake up with a normal life.
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  neverendingjourney

  I was raised a JW but my parents were inactive. Unfortunately, I became heavily involved when i was 15. My complete disillusionment began when I was 23, but I wasn't completely out of it until I was 26.

  As a result, I feel like I've been, and continue to be, 10 years behind in my emotional development. Even though I'm in my mid 30s I feel like I'm in my mid 20s emotionally. When I first left I thought female coworkers wanted to have sex with me if they invited me to lunch. I had no idea what dating was like in the real world.

  I will forever be stunted in my development as a human being since I spent my youth living in a fantasy world that did nothing to prepare me for the real world. There's no fixing that. There are permanent effects to having been a part of this religion.
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  wasblind

  Totallyadd,I dont think I will live long enough to see my 7 JW's family wake up.
  I "hooked" my daughter in ,& of course she "hooked" her family in.It is a very
  Satanic organization.

  Mouthy

  Exactly Granny, This organization is Satan himself diguised as an angel of light

  2 Cor 11:14 " And no wonder, for Satan himself keeps transforming into an angel of light "

  2 Tim 3:3 " Having no natural affection " ( Shunning policy )

  2 Tim 3:7 " always learning and yet never able to come to an accurate knowledge of truth "
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  LongHairGal

  Simon:

  When you think about it, our memories are all we are left with as time goes on. But, I never before realized that people raised in this religion could be so damaged by it. I hope you have made some new memories since you left.

  And, as you say, the pain (psychological) is ongoing in ways the average person who was not raised in the religion cannot possibly know.

  I am so grateful I was not raised a JW! At least I have some decent and bittersweet memories from before I joined this vacuum of a religion.
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  wasblind

  Longhairgal

  I am that person you describe. I have to forgive myself

  every single day. Because as a mother, my child trusted me enough to follow me

  I'm glad she continued that trust and followed me out
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  LongHairGal

  WASBLIND:

  Don't beat yourself up over the guilt. And, be glad your daughter is not still in the religion.
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  Londo111

  Profound and true.
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  Dagney

  Pictures of outings and trips from days gone by? They become reminders of loss and pain instead of good times, even if they were good times when you were there.

  No kidding. Many times I can look at a picture and feel the good of it, and even laugh with others about the "former friends." Then other times the reminder seems to put me in a funk and sometimes makes me angry. I hate that.

  Yes, it has affected me. I haven't tried to make friends. I also know that I subconsciously numbed myself after I left to protect me from the feelings of loss as I tried to figure things out. I am surprised at how little feeling I have for some I was so so close to. I should say "no" feeling. Am I the same as them but just on the other side? I wonder.
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  steve2

  To help people find the resources to rise above their respective backgrounds is one of the chief values of this forum.

  It may seem hackneyed, but the pain we individually experience as a result of our JW connections can force us to access the necessary inner resources so that we courageously refuse to be buckled by the Watchtower.

  In the pre-internet age, to be disfellowshipped was very often a lonely and isolating experience.

  In positive contrast, the internet is a positive source of connection with others who immediately understand the myriad ways in which the Watchtower has negatively impacted on people.